Hughes is widely believed to be fighting to hang onto his job after Saturday’s 3-1 loss against Southampton left Rangers four points adrift at the bottom of the Barclays Premier League table and still looking for a first victory 12 games in.

The results have been even more disappointing considering the influx of high-profile players to Loftus Road in the summer, including Ji-Sung Park from Manchester United, Esteban Granero from Real Madrid and former Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

But Dowie believes that is part of the problem, telling Sky Sports News: “Mark’s a very experienced manager and he’ll understand that when you don’t get results you come under pressure. But with the sheer number of players that have come in, it takes time to gel.

“I felt they were outplayed on Saturday and that will be the big disappointment for Mark and his coaching staff. Southampton looked the more creative side, which will be a big concern.”

Dowie, meanwhile, does not agree with criticism that QPR’s players are not giving their all to try to get the club out of trouble.

He said: “Sometimes when things aren’t going your way people throw up the line about players not trying. When you look at the likes of (Ryan) Nelsen and (Jamie) Mackie, I think they do have players who’ll demand effort. Mark’s sides have always been that way.”

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